You never know when you might need help after a disaster hits home, and the American Red Cross is there the same day to provide assistance.

The Lenoir County Red Cross is holding its fourth annual benefit dinner that provides money to assist families immediately after a disaster, such as fire, hurricane or tornado, makes their home unlivable.

“It’s for families in need who have a fire, or maybe their house got flooded,” said William “Bill” Taylor II, board chairman of the Lenoir ARC.

The benefit will be held during Heroes Month on March 1, with barbecue pork or chicken plates available for pick-up at 14 area locations.

For the first time, the ARC in Lenoir is seeking individuals and businesses that will help sponsor the event. Various sponsorships are available.

The board’s goal is to reach $50,000, said Tammy Forrester, interim director of the Lenoir, Wayne and Greene Red Cross Chapter.

“This is our biggest goal ever,” Forrester said. All donations will support families in Lenoir County.

Last year, there were 29 home fires affecting 97 people, she said. Each incident costs the Red Cross from about $1,000 to $1,200.

Taylor said it will take about 400 chickens and eight hogs to make 2,500 plates. Each plate will include half a chicken or about one-third pork barbecue, potatoes and slaw for $7 each.

Plates can be reserved in advance. Orders of 10 or more plates can be delivered to one location.

Volunteers are needed to help make up the plates or deliver them. Churches are asked to donate or supply baked goods for the benefit dinner.

For information or to donate, call Bill Taylor at 252-521-1000.

Margaret Fisher can be reached at 252-559-1082 or Margaret.Fisher@Kinston.com. Follow her on Twitter @MargaretFishr.

Barbecue pork and chicken plates can be purchased at these locations:

Deep Run Fire Department

Pink Hill Fire Department

Lenoir Community Center – La Grange

Woodmen Community Center

Visitor Center – U.S. 70

Farmers Market

Fairfield Park

Fuel Warehouse – U.S. 70

Piggly Wiggly – 258 North

Piggly Wiggly – Jackson Heights

Piggly Wiggly – Plaza

Southwood Christian Church

Wheat Swamp Christian Church

Bethel Church – Jonestown

For information or to volunteer, donate or become a sponsor, call Bill Taylor, chairman of the Lenoir County American Red Cross, 252-521-1000